Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly has filed a domestic violence case against her husband, Austrian businessman Peter Haag, marking one of the most serious legal battles to emerge from the Indian entertainment industry this year. The petition alleges emotional, physical, sexual and verbal abuse, along with long-term financial control that restricted her independence.
According to filings submitted in a Mumbai court on November 21, Jaitly accused Haag of repeatedly preventing her from working, which she says caused a significant loss of earnings throughout their marriage. She is seeking ₹500 million in compensation for this alleged economic deprivation. The court has issued a notice to Haag after receiving the petition.
Celina, now 47, has described her husband as a narcissistic and self-absorbed individual who displayed little empathy toward her or their children. The couple married in 2010 and are parents to three boys: twins Winston and Viraaj, and their younger son, Arthur. In her plea, she stated that she was forced to flee their home in Austria without safety, support or financial access.
The actress is also seeking ₹10 lakh in monthly maintenance, full custody of the children — who are currently residing with Haag in Austria — and a restraining order preventing him from entering her Mumbai residence. Her petition alleges that Haag only allowed her to take up minor projects after childbirth, and even those required his approval. She says the restrictions eroded her dignity and left her financially vulnerable.
The case adds another layer to the couple’s complex relationship. Just last year, Celina had shared a heartfelt anniversary post recalling Haag’s proposal and their journey through both joy and difficulty. However, her plea highlights that Haag filed for divorce in an Austrian court in August 2024, signalling a private rift that had been unfolding long before the public announcement.
Celina’s personal struggles have mounted in recent months. Shortly before filing the domestic violence case, she approached a Delhi court regarding the alleged unlawful detention of her brother, Major (r) Vikrant Jaitly, in the UAE since September 2024. She claimed authorities had failed to provide updates on his legal position. The court instructed relevant departments to ensure communication between Celina, her brother and his wife.
The developments mark a challenging phase for the actress, who has now initiated multiple legal efforts simultaneously — one concerning her family’s safety and the other seeking accountability for alleged abuse within her marriage.
